LEWIS Spencer is Southend United's new head of academy coaching.

Spencer, who was previously academy manager at Leyton Orient, will replace Ian Hart at Roots Hall.

And Blues' director of football Ricky Duncan is pleased to have Spencer on board. 

"We’ve got a new head of coaching, Lewis Spencer, coming in," said Duncan.

"He’s been an academy manager at Leyton Orient in the past and it’s funny because we didn’t always see eye to eye.

"We were two academy managers in the area but he will be here and that’s great.

"He comes in to replace Ian and we wish him well too, he was brilliant for us."

But, despite his own promotion this summer, Duncan will still be in charge of overseeing the academy.

"I will continue to do my job in the academy and I think it all comes in one role really," he added.